Building a yearly checkup ritual

Why a 20-minute annual review can add years to your pet's life.

An annual exam isn't just shots. It's a full nose-to-tail review: weight trend, dental health, heart and lung sounds, joint mobility, lymph nodes, and a look at coat and skin.

Bring a short list: any changes in eating, drinking, energy, or bathroom habits since last year. Note new lumps, even small ones.

Ask about parasite prevention for your region, baseline bloodwork (especially after age seven), and dental cleaning timing. Catching problems at this stage is dramatically cheaper than treating them later.

Book the next year's appointment before you leave the clinic — the easiest way to keep the ritual going.